Salt and Sand and Sludge, Oh My! | How to Protect Your Vehicle Against The Effects of Winter Salt

When temperatures drop and snow and ice begin to fall, most of us take care to winterize our vehicles. We also allow extra time for driving and breathe a collective sigh of relief as we encounter roads covered in salt and sand.

What many of us don’t consider, though, is the toll the ice melting mixture takes on our cars and trucks.

Salt and sand can destroy car finish, increase rust, hurt driving performance and cause damage to the parts of your vehicle that retain moisture. These include doors, hoods, fenders and tailgates.

There are preventative measures you can take, however, to protect your vehicle from Winter sludge and maintain it during the colder months.

Wax On

Wax works as a paint protectant and should be applied before Winter to protect your car or truck from the corrosive properties of sand and salt.

A good, strong coat can be applied by you or a car-care professional.

Clean Wheels Keep On Turning

Tires that are dirty can kick up the road salt and sand onto your vehicle’s body.

Before it gets cold, make sure your tires are clean. Then continue checking and cleaning them throughout the Winter months.

Working at the Car Wash

Some car washes are known to use repurposed water on the vehicles that drive through. This means the water may contain small traces of salt.

The safest way to keep your car or truck clean and prevent paint damage is to wash your vehicle yourself using a high-pressure hose. Hoses are able to reach areas of your vehicle regular drive-thru washes cannot and can easily remove salt and sand.

To make sure your vehicle stays clean all Winter long, it is a good idea to wash your vehicle every ten days and on days when it is 40°F or higher. Warmer days allow your car or truck to dry completely.

Prime Time

Did you know there are prime road salt times? Right before and after a Winter storm is when the road de-icer is most likely to be fresh.

If it is possible, try avoiding driving during these times to prevent your vehicle's exposure to excess salt and sand.

Rolling In the Deep

If there is deep snow, don’t go. Not only can you get stuck driving through deep snow, but it can pack salt into your car or truck’s undercarriage where it’s difficult to clean. This can lead to corrosion.

Remembering these few simple rules can keep you and your family safe on the road and will help to protect your car during the Winter months. Contact us if you have questions about Winter maintenance or if you would like to receive a free vehicle estimate.

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